Draft Analysis: Dazz Newsome

March 28, 2021 /
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Weight: 190lbs
  • College: North Carolina
  • Tape watched: Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Clemson 2019
  • NFL Comparison: Cooper Kupp

Pros

  • Toughness
    Dazz Newsome is a receiver you want on your team. He took huge hit after huge hit in college and kept coming back for more. He is incredibly durable and fearless of contact. Newsome is a slot receiver you can trust in the middle of the field.
  • YAC
    Going hand in hand with his toughness, Newsome picks up extra yards whether it is after the catch, or on punt returns. He will run over secondary, and slide through small gaps in the defense. He has great ball carrier vision and is able to spot seams in defenses before they develop.
  • Blocking
    Newsome is more than capable at being an effective blocker. He has the desire and technique to hold his ground against NFL talent. He keeps his hands and feet moving while mirroring defenders and readjusting his punches through his blocks.
  • Hands
    There were no noticeable drop issues with Newsome. In fact his ability to secure the football in all situations is a plus, especially in contested-catch opportunities.

Cons

  • Route Running
    There is a sloppy feel to Newsome’s routes on square cuts and reading off of the defense. When he isn’t the first read he can struggle to get to his spots on the field. There were very few instances where Newsome was challenged with man coverage. He has a good first step off the line of scrimmage, but can be affected by contact. He is much more quick than fast when it comes to separation, and doesn’t run by defenders. Separation could be a concern if he is asked to create on the outside.
  • Usage
    Almost strictly confined to the slot at UNC, Newsome never faced true press coverage. He had free releases in almost all circumstances. In times he was pressed, he did utilize good hand fighting however.
  • Route Tree
    Beating the same drum, Newsome was limited in his routes from the slot at UNC. He ran great seam plays and quick hitting routes, but can build his game with more nuanced routes and timing.

Overview

Dazz Newsome should contribute in the NFL year one from the slot position and as a punt returner. He has every skill to succeed, including quickness, toughness, and great hands. He should be a reliable target for quarterbacks with the ability to create extra yardage. With true speed and route running versatility, he may not be able to play a boundary receiver position right away in the NFL.